Structural design and evaluation of a self-sustainable smart bus stop incorporating a photovoltaic system and environmental telemetry

Abstract

This paper entitled “Structural design and evaluation of a self-sustainable smart bus stop incorporating a photovoltaic system and environmental telemetry” provides an overview of the technical design of smart urban furniture, addressing aspects related to Urban Collective Public Transport (UCPT) in intermediate cities.

First, the authors emphasize the importance of transforming the bus stop into a strategic node for interaction and communication through the Internet of Things (IoT), as a basis for improving transportation service quality and reducing user waiting times.

One of the central aspects of the work is the structural design in AISI 304 stainless steel through CAD modeling and von Mises stress simulation, demonstrating that a 5×5 cm square profile with 3 mm thickness guarantees structural integrity with a safety factor of approximately 1.3. This enables applications in modular urban furniture with easy assembly and maintenance.

Additionally, the sizing of an autonomous 100 W photovoltaic system with a 40 Ah GEL battery is presented, covering a daily demand of 340 Wh, along with an economic analysis projecting a total cost of $12,791,627 Colombian pesos.

Finally, the study discusses challenges related to structural reinforcement in critical areas through additional bracing, and highlights the importance of this development for the Minciencias project 1109-890-82201, which coordinates UNIPAZ, UNAD and UPTC in adapting intermediate cities to the smart and sustainable cities paradigm.